Ecce Mater Tua

crucifixionMaryJohnblog2015

Blessed Feast of Our Sorrowful Mother! The Valiant New Eve who crushed the serpent's head as she stood beneath the cross. (confer Genesis 2)"O Queen of Virgins, you are also the Queen of Martyrs; but it was within your heart that the sword transpierced you, for with you everything took place within your soul.

Oh, how fair you are to behold during your long martyrdom, enveloped in a majesty both strong and gentle, for you have learned from the Word how those should suffer who are chosen as victims by the Father, those whom He has elected as associates in the great work of the redemption, whom He has known and predestinated to be conformed to His Christ, crucified for love.

You are there, O Mary, at the foot of the Cross, standing, in strength and courage; and my Master says to me, 'Ecce Mater Tua.' Behold your Mother. He gives you to me for my Mother! And now that He has returned to His Father, and has put me in His place on the Cross so that I may fill up those things which are wanting of the sufferings of Christ in my flesh for His Body, which is the Church, you are still there, O Mary, to teach me to suffer as He did, to let me hear the last song of His soul which no one but you, O Mother, could overhear."

- Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity Written during her last retreat shortly before her death in 1906